This is my 3rd first gen rx7. Ive also owned an 80 and 81. I much prefer the GSL-SE 13b. Car is in decent shape. Needs some work. I have it currently parked for the winter so I am doing some work to it. I have the Dash ripped out as the Heater Core valve needs replacing. Over the course of the winter I plan to do a total restore on the interior. So far I have purchased many new interior parts from mazdatrix.

I dont have a digital camera but I will take pictures as soon as I can borrow a digi.

Well not really much of a point to this post other than Im a new owner and cant wait to begin my restore.

ps. These forums are great and I appreciate all the right ups and passion you people have for your cars.

 

Welcome to the forum. The help on this site is amzing, my GSL-SE was limping when my dad passed it on to me. With guidance and alot of searches the 7 now drives like a scalded dog. Good luck...

 

Congratulations on your SE purchase!

I agree, the 13B is nice! I have both, an '84 GS 12A and a '85 SE 13B.

My SE's interior is in need of some restoration! Which parts have you picked up from Mazdatrix?

Mike

 

I have purchased the whole center stereo console including ashtray, boot and boot sorround. Upper Steering column bezel, Dome light, Inside door handle bezels, Door handle cups, little trim piece arround door lock opener. Nice to have BRAND NEW parts.. makes the interior look new again. 1/2 Din pocket as I had a hole below my stereo. Im in need up some more parts but mazdatrix is either out of stock or doesnt carry them.

 

Welcome, victoriabritish.com is another good source. A little expensive but so is Mazdatrix. Mazdatrix are great folks and we need to support them. I purchase from them often.

 

Hey welcome to the boards!

 

I confess that the extra power in my SE is fun, but for moving quickly up the tight mountain roads around here I actually prefer my 83 12A, which is lighter and tighter.The SE rear suspension seems somewhat more secure, but has a tendency to bottom out on the snubber alarmingly.

B

 

Small world. Last month I purchased an 94 GSL-SE and I need to start ripping out my dash because something related to the heater core is dripping on mine as well. Wet passenger floorboards.

I'd love to see pictures of what you have done so far. Where did you get parts at?

 

im assuming u mean 84 not 94. I orderd the part from a mazda dealership. They had the part in stock in toronto. I didnt want to go used after all the hard work removing the dashboard. I decided to replace all the houses around the heater core as well as the valve. I will have pictures up hopefully by the weekend.

 

Yeah go GSL-SE's!

 

Welcome and have fun, and remember to use the search feature, it is wonderfully helpful.

EDIT: Oooh, I hit the evil post count here, 666.

 

:this thread is useless without pics:

welcome to the forums, it's good to see so many people still picking up first gens.

 

The wet floorboards is caused by the heater volume valve right next to your gas pedal foot at the firewall. When this valve goes out, it allows hot coolant to leak past, often squirting right onto your foot when you step on the gas. Very annoying unless you don't mind the smell of coolant.

You will also need to keep a close eye on your coolant level, as you can lose a lot through this avenue if you're not paying attention.

I circumvented this problem by having the radiator heater outlet blocked, and then plugged the heater core inlet on the left side of the engine (below the Oil Filter pedestal). This also solves the common 1st Gen problem with the heater return line below the oil filter tower blowing out due to oil corrosion over time, causing a flush of the coolant system when you least expect it. This can leave you stranded. While this totally cuts out the heater core, I live in the Arizona desert and don't need my heater that often. You'd be amazed how much better my A/C works now that the heater core isn't adding more heat to the system!

If you're intent on replacing this part, you'd better have small hands and some knowledge of what's going on behind the dash. WWW.victoriabritish.com has the parts, it's just the inclination that will kill you...

Good luck, and welcome to the forum,

 

weird. i had that problem a year or so ago on my 12a, but with the 13b i bought generic heater hose and re-did it all. now the problem doesnt exist.. i know it makes no sense why that would fix it. but i dont feel like yanking the dash to replace it anytime soon either, haha.

 

Doh, yep 84 not 94. I start tearing into the dash tonight. Fun Fun fun.